Nation shield Journal:One of the best Five International Military Journals

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Khalifa:Nation Shield Journal One of the most dis-tinguished Journals in the Arabic Military Media Platform

Water Security:A priority in the UAE Leadership’s Agenda

[ A Specialized Monthly Journal On Military & Strategic Affairs ] 41st Year | Issue No. 487 | Aug 2012

The World is coming

17-21 November 2013The dubai Airshow moves to dubai World central #dXB13

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A Dream Come True

By:Staff Major\ Yousef Juma AL HadadEditor in Chief

Editorial

The UAE’s decision to establish the Habshan-Fujairah pipeline is a wise, farsighted and pre-emptive move to protect a main source of national income from external threats. The line was opened recently with the purpose of expanding and ensuring UAE’s export of oil to international markets.

The opening of this vital artery would guarantee the smooth and sustained flow of UAE oil supplies through Al Fujairah port to in-ternational markets which will fetch economic, environmental and strategic dividends. It will help boost economic and trade ties, attract more investments in the oil, transport, offloading and export sectors, decrease the number of oil tankers passing through the Arabian Gulf - thus minimizing hazardous environment pollution - and help main-tain balanced development. It will, moreover, bring additional invest-ments to various emirates, offer new jobs to UAE nationals, offer oil exports a preferential status in terms of marketing, decrease transport and insurance costs – thus boosting competitiveness in international markets - and give national oil companies more confidence when deal-ing with overseas partners. The pipeline will also cut the navigation time through the Strait of Hormuz by one day, minimize dependence on Arabian Gulf oil exporting ports and shift export of 70 per cent of UAE crude away from the Strait.

The innovative and strategic move has many advantages as it is typi-cally a land-based pipeline easy to maintain with minimum cost and effort. It runs safely through UAE territory extending from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Moreover, the capacity of the 420 kilometer-long 48 inch-diameter pipeline could be increased in the near future so as to pump 1.8 million barrels by the end of 2012.

Our wise leadership spares no pains to use all available resources to achieve balanced development. The first steps to build the pipeline were taken in 2006 and all human, financial and technical resources were made available to render the dream true •

4

General SupervisorChairman of the Administrative Council

General \ Matar Salem Ali AL Dhaheri

Deputy - Chairman of the Administrative Council

Brigadier \ Hassan Abdel Wahab Al Hamadi

Editor in Chief

Staff Major \ Yousef Juma AL Hadad

Editorial Manager

Major \ Jassim Shaheen Al Bloushi

Art Director

Moza Al Ali

Editorial Consultant

Mohamed Almusharaf Khalifa

Sub-Editors

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Jameela Al Kaabi

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Amal Salem Al Hosani

Nazli Nasser Al Bloushi

Ebrahim M.Al Mansoori

Layout & Design

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Interview with His Ex-cellency the Deputy Minister of Defense, Finland

Farnborough Airshow: Bigger and Better

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Nation shield Journal:One of the best Five International Military Journals

ISSUE FILE

Khalifa:Nation Shield Journal One of the most dis-tinguished Journals in the Arabic Military Media Platform

Water Security:A priority in the UAE Leadership’s Agenda

[ A Specialized Monthly Journal On Military & Strategic Affairs ] 41st Year | Issue No. 487 | Aug 2012

5| Issue 487 | Aug 2012 |

6 | Aug 2012 | Issue 487 |

Events

Farnborough Airshow: Bigger and BetterUS$72 Billion worth Orders and Commitments Concluded

The 48th Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) was officially opened by the British Prime Minster David Camer-on, who hailed the phenomenal success of the UK aerospace industry and its critical importance to economic growth and jobs.

The airshow attracted massive inter-national business participation includ-ing 83 trade and military delegations from over 46 countries. At the end of a busy trade week, orders and commit-ments announced at this year’s airshow have been confirmed at US$72 billion covering among others a total of 758 air-craft. The figures represent a 53 per cent increase from the 2010 show and close to the 2008 figure when sales peaked at US$88billion.

Visitors and Delegations The airshow organizers, Farnborough International Ltd, confirmed that over the five days of the show, the event at-

tracted over 107,000 trade visitors and over 1500 exhibitors with representation right across the supply chain. Over 70 military delegations from 46 countries attended with a further 13 delegations from the civil sector.

Highlights Over 140 aircraft took part in the static and flying displays at the Farnborough Aerodrome in Hampshire including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner which flew on the first three days of the show – a Boe-ing and FIA first – and the Airbus A380 in attendance for the full seven days.

Flying display highlights included the Bell Boeing V22 Osprey, a Saab Gripen Fighter and the Korean T50 jet trainer. The incomparable Red Arrows, the Brei-tling Jet Team and the Blades Aerobatic Display Team performed with incredible precision at Farnborough 2012. Ad-ditional airborne entertainment came courtesy of the much loved Battle of

Britain Memorial Flight and crowd fa-vourite the Avro Vulcan, contrasting with the cutting edge technology of the Yak 130, the AAC Apache Helicopter and the giant passenger jets.

On the ground, crowds got up close to see the future of commercial space travel as Farnborough hosted the first Euro-pean public appearance of Virgin Galac-tic’s SpaceShipTwo replica. A prototype Mars Rover named ‘Bridget’ was also on show in the show’s Space Zone in Hall 3 where the public had the chance to meet a real astronaut. Over 50 aircraft were on static display across the weekend and to-gether with a range of exhilarating rides, interactive exhibits, prototype cars, flight simulators and extreme sports demon-strations to suit every taste.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner was officially unveiled by Qatar Airways at the Farn-borough International Air Show. The global debut of the airline’s new Dream-liner in Qatar Airways’ colours marked

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a significant milestone for the manufac-turer’s 787 Middle East launch custom-er, which will take delivery of five 787s during 2012. The aircraft took to the skies thrice during the week for aerial display marking the first time Boeing’s Dreamliner has participated in a flying show.

The Boeing Company also intro-duced its Intelligent Sensor, a new cam-era system that provides defense and security customers with fully integrated video-processing capability. Shown in live demonstrations at the Boeing En-during Awareness Pavilion at the 2012 Farnborough International Airshow, the Boeing Intelligent Sensor is a medium-wavelength infrared (MWIR) camera system that allows users to perform real-time data analysis within the cam-era itself, eliminating the need for bulky external processing equipment. This reduces both download time and band-width requirements.

EADS and its Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian, and Eurocopter divisions presented a broad array of aviation in-novations, including commercial and military aircraft, satellites, and secure communications systems. Cassidian, the defense and security division of EADS, demonstrated its capabilities in areas such as border security and surveillance, cyber security, and training services, par-ticularly in the field of air systems. In the exhibition area, the so-called TouchLab system presented a border protection sce-nario in 3D to illustrate Cassidian’s role as a lead systems integrator.

Russian Helicopters presented the latest additions to its range including the international debut of the Ka-62. It also showcased the Mi-171A2 and the Ansat and provided an update on the expan-sion of its after-sales support network. The Mi-171A2 is the latest modification of the Mi-8/17 series – one of the world’s most popular helicopters. The versatile

light Ansat features the largest cabin in its class, and is designed for maximum flexibility of use in transporting cargo and passengers, search-and-rescue and emergency rescue operations. The new multi-purpose Mi-38 and the search-and-rescue modification of the Ka-32A11BC were also demonstrated dur-ing Farnborough.

Bombardier featured on the static display five airplanes from its portfolio of business and commercial aircraft, in-cluding the ultra long-range Global 6000 jet - featuring the new Vision Flight Deck - the super midsize Challenger 300 jet, the Learjet 45 XR aircraft, the Q400 NextGen turboprop airliner and the CRJ900 NextGen regional jet. In the static display area, guests also experi-enced the next-generation of commer-cial air travel when they entered Bom-bardier’s unique CSeries aircraft dome. The CSeries aircraft dome featured geo-

desic fabric architecture and, for the first time in Europe, housed the CSeries air-craft’s flight deck demonstrator.

SELEX Galileo Raven ES-05 AESA ra-dar flew into Farnborough in the Gripen NG. The event, achieved in close collab-oration with Saab, marked a major mile-stone for both the Radar and the aircraft programs, and is the culmination of an intense period of development by both SELEX Galileo and Saab. The radar was displayed on aircraft at Farnborough and, on its return to Linkoping, will con-tinue integration testing and then begin flight testing.

Elettronica’s stand at Farnborough International 2012 presented a range of products that illustrate the benefits of implementing the most advanced tech-nologies developed by Elettronica and applied in its products such as: Virgilius - a complete break-through in the tradi-tional architecture of ESM - ECM sys-

Ready for Business at Farnbrough

Boeing 787

Events

8 | Aug 2012 | Issue 487 |

tems taking all the possible advantages deriving from the use of state-of-the-art technology, with emphasis on the digital signal processing technique and market-component availability to deliver a su-perior Hi Tec product. It is conceived to perform emitter detection, classifica-tion, identification and to counter a large threat variety including: radar controlled Anti-Aircraft- Artillery (AAA), Surface-to-Air missiles (SAM), Air-to-Air mis-siles (AAM), Early Warning, Search and modern Multifunctional Radars. Other exhibits were the ELT/572 (DIRCM) and ELT/800.

Eurocopter’s participation at the 2012 Farnborough Airshow highlighted the capabilities of the company’s growing rotorcraft family. The EC175 exhibited on the static display joined daily flying presentations during the week. Designed to offer superior mission versatility, Eu-rocopter’s twin-engine EC175 sets the standards for medium-class helicopters in offshore oil and gas operations, search and rescue, VIP/corporate airlift and other missions. Deliveries will start fol-lowing the certification planned at the end of this year with the EC175 in the oil and gas configuration.

Saab unveiled its new Saab 340 Mari-time Security Aircraft. The aircraft is capable of effectively monitoring large

areas and is the key to maritime domain awareness. The 340 MSA can deliver the capability to safeguard territorial waters through the ability to rapidly respond to emerging maritime security threats. The aircraft offers many advantages and is highly favourable in terms of cost com-pared with its competitors. The aircraft can perform long endurance flights from short airfields and the onboard mission management system with datalinks, op-tical sensors, SATCOM-systems and ra-dar equips the aircraft with the required capability. The Saab 340 MSA aircraft is part of the Airborne Surveillance family.

MBDA, unveiled SPEAR, a new, high precision surface attack weapon for fast combat aircraft. SPEAR is the solution being proposed by MBDA to meet the UK Ministry of Defense’s requirement for a network centric, low collateral dam-age, multi-target standoff strike weapon for multiple load out in the internal car-riage bay of its future fleet of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.

Textron Systems shared chalet L2 with fellow Textron Inc. business unit Bell Helicopter. On display was AAI Un-manned Aircraft Systems’ Aerosonde® Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS), selected by the U.S. Navy and Special Operations Command for fee-for-service intelligence, surveillance and

reconnaissance (ISR) operations. The latest configuration of the Aerosonde SUAS offers a heavy-fuel engine for re-liable performance and mission endur-ance of up to 16 hours. It delivers persis-tent electro-optic/infrared ISR, plus with its large payload size, weight and power, it can accommodate another payload of choice for superior mission flexibility. Also showcased was the Shadow® M2, the next generation of AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems’ renowned Shadow Tac-tical Unmanned Aircraft System. To date, Shadow systems have amassed more than 725,000 total flight hours, the majority of which have been supporting combat op-erations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Announcements Boeing has announced orders and com-mitments for 396 airplanes, valued at more than $37 billion. Boeing, ALAFCO Announce Commitment for 20 Boeing 737 MAXs valued at $1.9 billion at cur-rent list prices. United Airlines also an-nounced a historic order for 150 737 air-planes, including 100 737 MAX 9s and 50 Next-Generation 737-900ERs. The deal is worth $14.7 billion at list prices.

Airbus took orders and options for 62 aircraft at Farnborough. Airbus launched A320neo production with first metal cut on engine, is increasing A330-300 MTOW from 235 to 240 tonnes for mid-2015 to extend range from 5,550 to 5,950 nm; it is making aerodynamic improvements to wing and ROLLS-ROYCE is developing PIP for Trent 700. It says it will later increase MTOWs for -200/-200F. UTAIR, Russia ordered 20 220-pax A321s, its first direct order with Airbus..

Bombardier Aerospace sold 52 of the company’s Q400 NextGen, CRJ, and CSeries aircraft worth $3.27 billion.

Lockheed Martin received a con-tract from the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) to provide additional Sniper

Agusta Trio

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Advanced Targeting Pods for their F-16 fleet. The contract is worth $23 million.

Insitu won contracts to provide Sca-nEagle small UAVs to military forces in Japan and Singapore

AgustaWestland announced orders for 70 light- and medium-lift helicop-ters, and announced a deal with Rus-sian helicopter manufacturer Russian Helicopters to develop a light helicopter together.

CFM International received over $1 billion in sales for three different engine types.

SELEX Galileo, a Finmeccanica com-pany, received the authorisation to pro-ceed for the first tranche of a contract with MTG prime contractor Thales Ale-nia Space France to supply Lightning Im-ager Instruments for the Meteosat Third Generation weather forecasting fleet. The potential contract value is about €50M.

Rockwell Collins was selected by Thomas Cook Group to supply radio sensors/avionics, including MultiScan Threat Detection System and GLU-925 Multi-Mode Receiver (MMR; by SWISS for dual Head-up Guidance Systems for 30 CSeries; by Iberia for commu-nication, surveillance and navigation avionics for 16 new A330s, SATCOM SwiftBroadband for 17 A340s, and Fly Smart with Airbus (FSA) system for new A330s; and by Lufthansa for avionics for 49 new A320s, A330s and A380s and

was selected by Air India, Hainan and China Southern to service/support 787s under Dispatch Program.

Embraer and ATR sold 13 aircraft apieceSuperior Aviation Beijing, China

executed an exclusivity agreement to negotiate to acquire HAWKER BEECH-CRAFT for $1.79b; it would maintain Hawker Beechcraft’s US headquarters, and deal would not include Hawker Beechcraft Defense Company (HBDC).

Pratt & Whitney has JetBlue order to supply PurePower PW1100G-JMs for 40 A320neos for delivery starting in 2018; deal includes long-term PureSolution maintenance service agreement and has 3-year Shanghai Airlines contract for an Engine Management Program for 10 PW2037-powered 757-200s.

Farnborough 2014The 2012 event saw good engagement from decision-makers with the Prime Minister opening the show, a further 6 Cabinet members making keynote speeches, as well as senior ministers vis-iting from the UK and overseas. To add further weight to the show’s success, 20 per cent of exhibitors have already re-booked for the 2014 show•

Reference / Photo creditwww.farnborough.comwww.speednews.com

The Blades Up Close

Prestigious Media Award

Nation Shield, the official journal of the UAE Armed Forces was among the top five magazines nominated for the Best International Publication (Non-English Language) awards at this year’s

Farnborough Airshow in the United Kingdom.It was a great honor for the Nation Shield to win the nomination for the 2012 Aerospace Media Awards announced at the airshow against stiff international competition.

Nation Shield has established itself as one of the most authoritative publi-cations in both English and Arabic on defense, security and strategic issues from the Middle East after its incep-tion way back in 1971.

The nomination was made by the Royal Aeronautical Society at the 2012 Aerospace Media Dinner on 8 July 2012 to celebrate excellence in aero-space publishing.

The world’s only professional body dedicated to the entire aerospace com-munity, the Royal Aeronautical Soci-ety, established in 1866 to further the art, science and engineering of aero-nautics, has been at the forefront of aerospace. The Society publishes three journals each month plus the web-based “The Journal of Aeronautical History”. The journals are: Aerospace International, The Aerospace Profes-sional and The Aeronautical Journal.

The Farnborough International Airshow, one of the most well known international trade fair for the aero-space industry, is held at Farnborough Airport in Hampshire, England. The airshow is organized by Farnborough International Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ADS Group Limited (A|D|S), a British aerospace industry organization, to demonstrate civil-ian and military aircraft to potential customers and investors.

BAE Awarded GBP500 M for CV90 upgrade

BAE Systems will upgrade and build CV90 armoured combat vehicles for the Norwegian Army under a contract worth approximately £500 million ($750 million) awarded by the Norwegian Government.

The company will upgrade Norway’s existing 103-vehicle CV9030 fleet, de-livered from the mid-1990s, and build new vehicle chassis to deliver 144 CV90s in different configurations, including a variant equipped with a sensor suite for improved surveillance capability.

The project will deliver 74 infantry fighting, 21 reconnaissance, 15 command, 16 engineering, 16 multi-role and two driver training vehicles. The multi-role

vehicles can fulfill different functions, in-cluding mortar carrier and logistics roles.

Incorporating lessons learned from Norwegian operations in Afghanistan, the new vehicle fleet will have signifi-cantly enhanced protection, survivabili-ty, situational awareness, intelligence and interoperability.

The Swedish CV90 has been selected by the Nordic nations (Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland), Switzerland and The Netherlands. The first CV90 was delivered to Sweden in 1993, and this programme will increase the number of vehicles ordered to more than 1,200.

Sagem wins major con-tract from MBDA for Mica missile infrared seekers

Sagem (Safran group) signed a con-tract with MBDA to supply nearly 200 infrared seekers for Mica air-to-air missiles.

Developed and produced by Sagem, the Mica IR seeker is a key to the missile’s operational effectiveness. Furthermore, the seeker also func-tions as a sensor providing tactical in-formation to the flight crew, because of its high sensitivity, powerful imag-ing algorithms, bispectral imagery, automatic acquisition of all targets, ability to lock-on before or after fir-ing, discrimination between targets and countermeasures.

Sagem produces Mica IR seekers in its Poitiers plant in France. The infrared system uses an array de-veloped and produced by Sofradir, a jointly-owned company of Sagem and Thales.

Sagem has already produced more than 1,000 Mica IR seekers to date for the Mirage 2000 and Rafale fight-ers deployed by the French air force and navy, and for foreign air forces, including Morocco’s modernized Mirage F1s. This latest contract con-solidates the longstanding partner-ship between missile manufacturer MBDA and Sagem for infrared guid-ed missiles. Sagem has already pro-duced more than 30,000 seekers for the company’s Magic, Mistral and VL Mica (Vertical Launch) missiles.

Hagglunds CV90

DRS Awarded EMD Contract DRS Technologies, Inc. a Finmec-canica Company announced its Sus-tainment Systems division has been awarded an engineering and manu-facturing design (EMD) contract for the U.S. Army’s Joint Assault Bridge Program (JAB).

This EMD contract from the Army’s Program Manager Force Projection, at the TACOM Lifecycle Manage-ment Command, stems from DRS’

successful design and development of relevant bridge launching technology and hardware.

“DRS and IMI recognized the need to invest to develop and support the technology needs of this program,” says Joseph Matteoni, vice president and general manager of DRS Sustain-ment Systems, Inc.

10 | Aug 2012 | Issue 487 |

News

NGC to Supply Airborne Fire Control Radars

Northrop Grumman Corporation has received an $87.8 million foreign mili-tary sales (FMS) contract to provide the APG-68(V)9 airborne fire control ra-dar to Thailand, Iraq and a Middle East country for use on F-16 fighter aircraft.

The company will deliver six radar systems to the Royal Thai Air Force, 22 radar systems to the Iraqi air force and 15 radar systems to the Royal Air Force of Oman, for a total of 43 systems. De-liveries are expected to be completed by March 2015. The FMS contract is man-aged by the Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

“The APG-68(V)9 radar’s operation-al performance, affordable acquisition cost, low sustainment cost and immedi-ate availability has led 12 nations to pro-cure almost 750 systems so far.”

The APG-68(V)9 enables engagement

of air-to-air and air-to-surface threats with greater accuracy and at greater ranges than legacy F-16 fire control ra-dars. The radar provides autonomous, all-environment, precision air-to-sur-face targeting with a high-resolution synthetic aperture radar ground map-ping mode.

Northrop Grumman has been devel-oping, integrating and producing F-16 fire control radars for 36 years. This includes three variants of the APG-66; eight variants of the APG-68; the APG-80 Airborne Electronically Scanned Array (AESA), developed specifically for the F-16 Block 60; and the newly introduced Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) AESA. The company’s long her-itage in fire control radars also includes fire control radars for the B-1, F-22 and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

More Rafales for the French AF

On 25 June 2012, at Mont-de-Marsan air base (BA 118), the French Air Force commissioned its fifth Rafale squad-ron — Escadron de Chasse 2/30 “Nor-mandie-Niémen” — during a ceremony attended by the French Chief of Staff, General Jean-Paul Paloméros.

One of the Armée de l’Air‘s most fa-mous combat units, “Normandie-Nié-

men” draws its very singularity from the fact that it fought alongside the Soviet Army during World War II, as a Free French Air Force (FAFL) regiment of the Soviet 303rd Aerodivision posted on the Central Front for most of the war. Decorated by Stalin himself, several of its pilots won the highly coveted golden star of Hero of the USSR, not to men-

GD Awarded $66 M for Services

for DDG 51 and FFG 7 Ships

The U. S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, a sub-sidiary of General Dynamics a $66.1 million contract to provide ongoing planning yard services for the DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer and the FFG 7 Oliver Haz-ard Perry-class frigate programs. The contract includes options which, if ex-ercised and fully funded by the Navy, would bring the total value of the con-tract to $371.6 million and extend the performance period through 2016.

Bath Iron Works manages post-delivery maintenance and moderni-zation activities for all DDG 51-class ships and all FFG 7-class ships, in-cluding design, material kitting, lo-gistics, planning and execution. The company is currently supporting 84 ships.

tion other prestigious Soviet awards, like the Order of Lenin or the Red Flag Order. A total of 273 Luftwaffe aircraft were downed by the pilots of Groupe de Chasse N°3 “Normandie” between 1942 and 1945, turning this unit into the most successful of all the French Air Force.

The revived EC 2/30 “Normandie-Niémen” will be starting its operation this summer with 10 Rafale Cs, 12 pilots and 64 support personnel. The squadron should have a complement of 20 aircraft next year. All single-seat Rafale C/F3-3 models.Latest variant of the Rafale, the F3-3 is adding wide-band L16 (MIDS) jam-resistant high-speeddigital tactical data link (which operates in the 960–1,215 MHz radio frequency band) and the capacity to launch the GBU-24/B 2,000 lb laser guided bomb, the heaviest bomb in French Air Force service today.

Fifth Rafale Squardron

11| Issue 487 | Aug 2012 |

Alenia Aermacchi partneship with Sukhoi for new generation regional jets

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 is a 100-seat next-generation regional jet developed by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC) in partnership with Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company. It represents the most important industrial partnership be-tween the Russian Federation and the rest of the world in the civil aviation sector.

Based on the agreement between the

two companies, Alenia Aermacchi, as the Program Strategic Partner, acquired a total of 25% plus one share in SCAC and a cor-responding financial stake in the develop-ment of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 program.

Alenia and Sukhoi formed SuperJet International (SJI), a joint venture where Alenia Aermacchi holds 51% and Suk-hoi Holding holds 49%. The company is

based in Italy, where all of the market-ing, sales and delivery to the western markets, and the training and world-wide after-sales support of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft takes place. SJI is also responsible for the design and de-velopment of VIP, business, and cargo variants. The business jet version (SBJ) is already under development.

Alenia Aermacchi will leverage the experience gained on the ATR program to support the international sales for the SSJ100. Alenia also contributes its tech-nical expertise to the development of the SSJ100.

The SSJ100 is a new-generation region-al jet that features outstanding comfort for the passengers, and low operational costs for airlines. The first SSJ100 was rolled out from SCAC’s final assembly line at Komsomolsk-on Amur on Sep-tember 26, 2007. Its first successful flight was May 19, 2008.

SSJ100

Textron Systems Awarded Afghanistan Training & Logistics Support Contract

Textron Marine & Land Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. company, announced that the U.S. Army Contracting Command,

has awarded the company a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification to con-tinue providing training and logistics support in Afghanistan. The contract authorizes initial funding of $14.95 million, and has a potential value of $30.51 million.

The support contract is associated with the Afghanistan National Army (ANA) Mobile Strike Force Vehicle (MSFV) armored vehicle program. This option includes funding for ve-hicle deprocessing field service rep-resentatives, instructors, interpreters and in-theatre management, and other direct costs for an additional one-year period.

“This work is an example of the full-spectrum of support we offer our ve-

hicle customers,” explained TM&LS Senior Vice President and General Manager Tom Walmsley. “On a daily basis we’re demonstrating capabili-ties as an end-to-end provider – from designing, testing and manufactur-ing MSFVs in the United States, to providing Afghanistan-based vehicle deprocessing, fielding, training, main-tenance and logistics support to stand up a new force structure.”

In less than 20 months the MSFV program has gone from vehicle con-cept to the point at which the first ANA battalion – called a Kandak – is fully equipped with its MSFVs and its mechanics and operators thoroughly trained.

Mobile Strike Force Vehicle

News

12 | Aug 2012 | Issue 487 |

With the help of Lockheed Martin, the U.S. Department of Defense is making major strides in its ongoing initiative to quickly and efficiently share the vast volume of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data available to users with access to the Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS). The DCGS Multi-Service Execution Team office awarded Lockheed Martin a $2.6 mil-lion contract to upgrade the DCGS Integration Backbone, or DIB, the software infrastructure that allows intelligence sharing between national agencies, coalition partners and mili-tary services.The DCGS integrates and draws in-telligence data from various manned and unmanned ISR sensors and sys-tems, then correlates that data into a coherent, easily interpreted picture for the end user.

“Lockheed Martin is proud to have this vital role in helping the DCGS team achieve its vision for maximiz-ing the value of DCGS to command-ers, warfighters, and intelligence agencies,” said Jim Quinn, vice presi-dent of C4ISR Systems for Lockheed Martin IS&GS-Defense. “The latest DIB upgrade will enable our partners to securely share intelligence faster than ever before.”

For the latest version of the DIB Lockheed Martin developed the Dis-tributed Data Framework (DDF), an enhancement that uses Free and Open Source Software.

Lockheed Martin to De-liver ISR Information Sharing Capabilities

Eurocopter establishes Africa’s first full motion He-licopter Simulator

Africa’s first full-motion helicopter flight simulator has been commissioned by Eurocopter in Kempton Park, the world’s leading manufacturer of civil and mili-tary rotorwing aircraft. The simulator, designed to train pilots and flight engi-neers operating Super Puma and simi-larly compatible helicopters including the South African Air Force’s (SAAF) Oryx , is located at the SimAero train-ing centre adjacent to the O.R. Tambo International Airport.

Positioning the simulator in Johannes-

burg, where it is easy to come and train, is an attractive proposition for all other Super Puma operators. By using a full-motion flight simulator, crew are able to refine their skills by training for all con-ceivable emergencies and mission scenar-ios, including some which would be too dangerous or not permissible to attempt during training flights on actual helicop-ters.

“For the SAAF, our focus is foremost on providing upliftment of aircrew skills,” added Colonel Hardus Engelbrecht. “This is achieved by a combination of factors which allow trainees to forget that they are in a simulator and not the real aircraft. These are primarily a combination of ac-curate movements driven by hydraulically driven jacks that push, pull and tilt a rep-lica helicopter cockpit, against which fore-ground imagery is projected”.

DGA selects Thales for CONTACT programmeThe French defence procurement agency (DGA) officially notified Thales of the award of the development contract for the CONTACT programme on 21 June.

This strategic programme is designed to equip the majority of the French forces’ platforms with next-generation tactical radios incorporating innova-tive software-defined radio technology.

“We are very proud to have been selected to design and build a com-plete theatre communications system comprising future air and naval tacti-cal radios and associated waveforms, which will give French forces the joint communications capabilities they need toaccomplish their missions effectively,” said Luc Vigneron, Chairman & CEO of Thales. “The CONTACT pro-

gramme is strategically important for the French armed forces and key toF-rance’s national sovereignty, and it also provides a solid framework for the fu-ture development of software-defined radio at the international level.”

Network-centric operations hinge on the ability to move ever-increasing vol-umes of information between all the play-ers in the battlespace. Communication systems are therefore central to this trend.

To accommodate this growing com-plexity, six European nations—Fin-land, France, Italy, Poland, Spain and Sweden—launched the ESSOR project (European Secure Software defined Radio) in 2009.

Simulator

13| Issue 487 | Aug 2012 |

Milipol Qatar set to break previous recordsThe expo has generated huge interest as the region gets ready to meet new security challenges, says Brig. Sheikh Nasser

Over the years, Milipol Qatar has estab-lished itself as the premium exhibition in the internal security industry seg-ment, showcasing the state-of-the-art innovations, ideas and equipment. The expo has been attracting more and more visitors and exhibitors and the reasons for its continued success are many ac-cording to Brigadier Sheikh Nasser Bin Fahed Al-Thani, President of Milipol Qatar Committee.

Brigadier Sheikh Nasser feels that the foremost reason is that Milipol has been able to change with the time, ac-commodating the most pressing needs of the industry. “Milipol Qatar takes place every two years and I think it’s fair to say that much has changed since the last edition of the event in 2010. These changes have been both global and re-gional, and as such there is a real air of anticipation about October’s gathering in Doha.

“This anticipation has fuelled a re-sponse of huge interest, anticipation and a firm belief that Milipol Qatar 2012 is going to be a highly productive event whose influence will be felt throughout the region, and beyond,” he told the Na-

tion Shield, the UAE Armed Forces’ of-ficial journal in an in-depth interview.

He said that the process of delegate registration and exhibitor booking is still going on in full swing for Qatar 2012 be-ginning at Doha Exhibition Centre on October 8. “What we do know is that Milipol Qatar 2012 is set to be the big-gest and best edition of the event to date and given that more than 200 exhibitors from 61 countries presented their prod-ucts and services in 2010, we expect the 2012 figures to be higher still. However, we usually have regional presence from the UAE, Kuwait and Oman, while Inter-national presence at the exhibition comes from Germany, Italy, the UK, Russia, the US and France, among others.

Speaking on the highlights of the ex-hibition this edition, he said what was exciting about the upcoming exhibition is that, even in two years, many of the technical aspects of the internal secu-rity industry have advanced, as well as becoming ever more relevant regionally and worldwide. “What Milipol seeks to do is to meet the demands of the inter-nal security industry and help the firms unveil products and services that have

never been seen before. On that basis, we are going to see some surprises in October, and that’s exciting for us, for the thousands of visitors expected, and for the exhibitors themselves.”

Brigadier Sheikh Nasser pointed out that the infrastructural and industrial developments taking place in the Mid-dle East in general and Qatar in par-ticular present their own challenges. “It is important to protect things of value and the more value there is, the more there is ‘to do’ to keep things safe and se-cure. Added to this, we have an increase in situations where ‘attacks’ on secure properties and even society as a whole can be initiated electronically or even through the use of social media. Threats are always evolving, and the challenge for the internal security industry is to stay ahead of the game.”

On the impact of the global econom-ic down turn, he felt that it has not af-fected the security industry. “In fact, in the Gulf region, the industry is experi-encing unprecedented levels of growth, especially in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. It would seem, at present, that this in-dustry is one that is ‘insulated’ from the

High level Delegates at Milipol Brig. Sheikh Nasser Bin Fahed Al-Thani

14 | Aug 2012 | Issue 487 |

Report

Milipol Qatar set to break previous recordsThe expo has generated huge interest as the region gets ready to meet new security challenges, says Brig. Sheikh Nasser

The infrastructural and industrial developments taking place in the Middle East present their own challenges

UAE and Qatar are making their presence felt on the world stage

Global economic down turn has not affected the security industry

worst of the world’s economic weather. “There are two chief reasons for this.

Firstly, the demand for internal securi-ty products and services in the Middle East is rising and, secondly, the finance to pay for these services and products is available in the region, which is home to some of the world’s best-performing and valuable economies.”

Brigadier Sheikh Nasser said four main themes have been established as being particularly relevant at this time, and these will form the basis of the ‘flavour’ of Milipol Qatar 2012. These themes are: Protection of Industrial and sensitive sites; Law enforcement and crowd manage-ment; Border control and management, and Ongoing efforts in counter-terrorism.

“Due to the region’s changing political situation, we have seen a growing inter-est in and demand for equipment for na-tions’ security and police forces to better enable them to deal with problematic situations. For Qatar, we’re anticipating interest in border security equipment, and the areas of security related to tour-ism and crowd management, and urban and air transport. Additionally, the in-frastructure developments taking place

in the country means that management of sensitive and industrial sites will also be an area of interest.”

He stressed the fact that internal se-curity is of paramount importance to national well-being on numerous levels. A country needs to protect its society, to keep the peace and avoid flashpoints, protect its infrastructure and develop-ments, and protect the ways in which it derives its income. It is an unfortunate facet of human nature that people will try to take or damage that which does not belong to them and this behaviour has to be observed and opposed, he added.

He told the Nation Shield that he would like to extend his warmest wishes to all his Emirati neighbours, both mili-tary and civilian. “At a time when nu-merous Gulf countries including the UAE and Qatar are making their pres-ence felt on the world stage, it is impera-tive that we continue to foster and main-tain friendship, trust and trade between our two great nations,” he concluded•

Armoured Vehicle at French Pavilion

15| Issue 487 | Aug 2012 |

Morocco Becomes Tenth AIM-9X International CustomerThe weapon will be integrated on RMAF’s F-16 fighter aircraft

The Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. government have executed a Letter of of-fer and acceptance (LOA) to purchase Raytheon Company’s AIM-9X Block II missile. The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) is the world’s eleventh country to employ the AIM-9X Sidewinder in-frared-guided, air-to-air missile and will be the fourth country with the AIM-9X Block II.

The AIM-9X Block II adds a rede-signed fuze that offers a lock-on-after-launch and datalink capability to the AIM-9X Block I. The AIM-9X Block II missile is in the Operational Testing phase; Raytheon is currently producing AIM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missiles.

“The AIM-9X Block II brings en-hanced capability to the RMAF that will enhance security in the Middle East and North Africa,” said Capt. John Martins, the U.S. Navy’s Air-to-Air Missile Pro-gram Manager. “This sale is a win for both the U.S. and Moroccan warfighters because it enhances coalition air combat operations and also reduces the unit cost of the AIM-9X Block II missile through

economies of scale.”Under the agreement, the U.S. govern-

ment will provide the RMAF an undis-closed quantity of tactical and training AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles for their F-16 fighter aircraft.

“This LOA is the latest chapter of Ray-theon’s more than half a century com-mitment to the Middle East and North Africa,” said Harry Schulte, vice presi-dent of Raytheon Missile Systems Air Warfare Systems’ product line. “More than 400 dedicated Raytheon employees and a host of suppliers across the U.S. have built and delivered more than 4,000 AIM-9X Block I missiles, and we look forward to continuing our history of on-time and on-cost performance with the newest member of the AIM-9X family.”

The Royal Moroccan Air Force joins the air forces of Australia, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Singa-pore, South Korea, Switzerland, Turkey and the United States as AIM-9X users. The weapon is currently integrated on the F/A-18 Hornet, F-15 Eagle, and F-16 Fighting Falcon•

About the AIM-9X Block II

Raytheon has more than 10 years of con-tinuous on-time delivery of AIM-9X.AIM-9X Block II is in full rate produc-tion.AIM-9X reliability is approaching 3 times the required mean time between failure.

The AIM-9X Block II adds a redesigned fuze that offers a lock-on-after-launch and datalink capability to the AIM-9X Block I

U.S. have built and delivered more than 4,000 AIM-9X Block I missiles

AIM-9X Block II missile firing

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16 | Aug 2012 | Issue 487 |

Kongsberg EM2040 Multibeam Echo Sounder in UAEThe launch and demonstration done on Bayanat’s survey catamaranUnique System FZE, a Unique Maritime Group Company and one of the world’s leading integrated turnkey subsea and offshore solution providers, in associa-tion with Bayanat Mapping & Survey Services, a leading provider of geospa-tial products and services, announced the launch and demonstration of EM 2040 Multibeam Echo Sounder on Bay-anat’s survey catamaran, at Reem Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The launch featured the first dem-onstration in the Middle East of the Kongsberg EM2040 Multibeam Echo Sounder, the first system to bring all the advanced features of deep water multibeams to the near bottom sound-ing environment. The basic EM 2040 has four units, a transmit transducer, a receive transducer, a processing unit, and a workstation. Unique System is the exclusive representative of Kongsberg Maritime products in the Middle East.

“We would like to extend our kind gratitude to Bayanat as without their support it would have been a challenge to conduct this kind of demonstration,” said Ian Huggins, General Manager at Unique System FZE.

During the launch and demonstra-tion, there were individual sessions fo-cused on;

•Real-time surveys •Data collection & visualization •Data post processing •Real-time water column, side scan

presentations“Bayanat is proud to partner with

Unique System FZE for this launch. Given our positioning as a local geo-spatial leader, we are confident that this collaboration will ensure we continue to deliver world-class geospatial and hy-drographic services to better serve all

our customers in the UAE and beyond. We are proud of our association with Unique and Kongsberg for their prod-ucts like the EM 2040 Multibeam Echo sounder, which help us achieve our ob-jectives and we look forward to further developing this fruitful partnership in the future,” said Dr. Adel Al Shamsi, Hy-drographic Surveying Director, Bayanat for Mapping & Surveying Services.

“EM 2040 is the world’s only true wideband high resolution Multibeam Echosounder system. EM 2040 is de-signed to meet all requirements for hy-drographic and inspection surveys and provides exceptional resolution and performance, including the ability to fulfill required along track coverage at twice the survey speed. EM 2040 MBES can operate in 3 different frequencies (400 kHz ; 300 kHz ; 200 kHz) and the demonstration will showcase the vari-ous features and flexibility of the sys-tem,” said Geir Skogen, Sales Manager

Launch and demonstration of EM 2040

of Kongsberg.Demonstration highlights: • Cdr. RN (Rtd) Bungy Williams from

Kongsberg Maritime Ltd. UK and Mr. Geir Skogen & Mr. Stale Myklebust, Kongsberg Maritime, Norway conduct-ed the demonstration.

• Post processing of the data was done on Caris HIPS & SIPS and Mr. Ottokarl Nothdurft from Caris bv, Netherlands conducted onshore sessions on HIPS & SIPS•

EM 2040 is a wideband high resolution Multibeam Echosounder system

17| Issue 487 | Aug 2012 |

Boeing and Embraer to Collaborate on KC-390 Program This is part of agreement that Boeing and Embraer signed in April

The Boeing Company and Embraer an-nounced an agreement to collaborate on the KC-390 aircraft program. Under this agreement, Boeing and Embraer will share some specific technical knowledge and evaluate markets where they may join their sales efforts for medium-lift military transport opportunities.

“Boeing has extensive experience in military transport and air refueling air-craft, as well as deep knowledge of po-tential markets for the KC-390, espe-cially those which were not considered in our original marketing plan,” said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, president and CEO of Embraer Defesa e Segurança. “This agreement will strengthen the KC-390’s prominent position in the global mili-tary transport market.”

The KC-390 collaboration is part of a broader agreement that Boeing and Embraer signed in April. The companies previously announced that they are ex-ploring ways to cooperate in commercial airplane efficiency and safety, research and technology, and sustainable avia-

tion biofuels. Boeing and Embraer will conduct a joint market assessment for the medium-lift military transport mar-ket and analyze business collaboration models. The market assessment includes potential customers that had not been considered in the initial market pros-pects for the KC-390.

“Embraer is a leading global innova-tor and we both understand the value of working in partnership to provide high-quality, affordable customer solu-tions,” said Dennis Muilenburg, presi-dent and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “This collaboration matches Boeing’s proven excellence in military transport with Embraer’s KC-390 ac-complishments to further advance this highly capable and efficient medium-lift aircraft.”

The KC-390 is a Brazilian Air Force project for which Embraer signed the development contract in April 2009. It is the biggest aircraft to be manufac-tured by the Brazilian aerospace indus-try and will set new standards in the

medium-lift market in terms of perfor-mance, cargo capacity, flexibili and life cycle costs.

Boeing has had a strong and endur-ing partnership with Brazil for 80 years, delivering the first F4B-4 fighters to the Brazilian government in 1932 and pro-viding commercial airplanes to Brazilian airlines since 1960. Boeing opened its of-fice in São Paulo in October.

Embraer S.A. is the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jets up to 120 seats, and one of Brazil’s leading exporters. Embraer’s headquarters are located in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, and it has offices, industrial op-erations and customer service facilities in Brazil, China, France, Portugal, Singa-pore, and the U.S. of its partially owned subsidiaries -- and its firm order backlog totaled USD$14.7 billion•

The KC-390 is a Brazilian Air Force project for which Embraer signed the development contract

KC-390

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18 | Aug 2012 | Issue 487 |

Thales unveils future cockpit at Farnborough Thales ODICIS future cockpit design won the prestigious Janus prize

Thales, a world leader in cockpit sys-tems, unveiled further state-of-the-art innovations to its revolutionary interac-tive cockpit design, One Display for a Cockpit Interactive Solution (ODICIS), which seeks to shape the future of com-mercial and military avionics platforms.

Addressing the emerging require-ments dictated by high profile pro-grammes such as SESAR/NextGen and Clean Sky, Thales’s futuristic cockpit concept jumps even further ahead with the introduction of new state-of-the-art functions in order to comply fully with the future demands posed by the pro-grammes. Programmes such as SESAR, NextGen and Clean Sky represent the true future potential of the aviation in-dustry and Thales is proud of its leading role in SESAR. As a major player in the undertaking to have taken the leader-ship position in both the air and ground segments, Thales has supplied all the on-

board and many of the ground surveil-lance and positioning instruments nec-essary for the successful completion of the I4D flight earlier this year.

Because of this unique capability, Thales is able to develop a future cock-pit concept capable of handling the host of new information which will need to be displayed to comply with these pro-grammes and therefore the amount of data the crew will need to handle in the future. ODICIS at the Farnborough Air-show, displays all relevant information in a simpler and clearer fashion on a larger and more legible display to ease workload and complexity.

With its touchscreen-based display concept, ODICIS can be configured to provide more freedom in how the dis-play space and touchscreen surface are used, enabling information to be pre-sented in new ways across all types of aircraft. This new technology draws on

One Display for a Cockpit Interactive Solution (ODICIS)

applied research work undertaken for the Cockpit 3.0 initiative and creates a crew-centric system with simpler and more instinctive human-system inter-faces allowing the pilot to focus fully on the job of flying the aircraft whilst keep-ing the entire display area on screen.

On top of all these innovations the following functions, are present:

· I4D (Initial 4D Trajectory) giving a time constraint at meeting point to each aircraft converging to this point, in order to sequence traffic. To demon-strate this ODICIS will include replay of the flight trial in February 2012, from Ground and Air Segments.

· D-Taxi (Digital-Taxi) uplink of the cleared taxi route via CPDLC (Control-ler Pilot DataLink Communication) and representation of the taxi path in the cockpit displays.

· ASAS (Airborne Separation Assis-tance Systems) spacing which helps cre-ate a regular traffic flow by ensuring an aircraft adjusts its speed so that it can keep its spacing relative to another air-craft, and therefore merges according to the requirement set by the controller.

· ECO Take-Off optimized take-off and climb profile in order to define the trade-off between CO2 emissions and noise reductions Commenting on these developments Richard Perrot, head of Thales Avionics’ marketing de-partment said: “As one of the world’s leaders in both aircraft avionics and air traffic management solutions, we are fully committed to make ground and air segments work seamlessly together. We are also deeply involved in improv-ing system and interface management to design a new cockpit philosophy”•

19| Issue 487 | Aug 2012 |

Tawazun Holding named headline sponsor of IDEX 2013IDEX is the Middle East’s largest tri-service defence exhibitionThe Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) today announced the return of Tawazun Holding as head-line sponsor for the International De-fence Exhibition (IDEX) 2013. The event will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, at Abu Dhabi’s National Exhibition Centre from the 17th – 21st of February. Tawazun, the UAE’s strategic investment firm building skills, expertise, products and systems for the industrial manufacturing sector, views the sponsorship as a strategic imperative given IDEX’s role as the Middle East’s

largest tri-service defence exhibition. “We are very pleased to have the con-

tinued support of Tawazun, which has been a strong backer of IDEX almost since their inception,” said IDEX Direc-tor, Saleh Almarzooqi. “The on-going support of leading organisations domes-tically and internationally is critical to the success of IDEX. We look forward to working in partnership with Tawa-zun on the upcoming edition to further solidify the event’s stature in the global defence industry.”

“We consider IDEX as a central fa-cilitator for the work and ambitions of

Tawazun and its subsidiaries, and we are proud to offer our continued support,” said Saif Ali Al Marzooqi, Associate Director of Corporate Communica-tions at Tawazun. “Every two years, the eyes of the world’s key defence decision makers shift to Abu Dhabi; a strong op-portunity as Tawazun works to develop – and attract - long-term partnerships with industry leaders. We look forward to showcasing to the multicultural au-dience our capabilities in producing world-class products and services made in the UAE with UAE hands”•

Successful first qualification firing test of Sagem’s HammerHammer air-to-ground guided weapon is with laser terminal guidance

French defense procurement agency DGA has successfully carried out the first qualification firing test of the laser terminal guidance version of the AASM Hammer modular air-to-ground weap-on built by Sagem (Safran group).

The test was carried out by the DGA’s missile test department at the Cazaux air base on May 31, with the Hammer

weapon being fired from a production Rafale fighter. The target, a bridge pier located more than 50 kilometers from the release point, was illuminated by an airborne illuminator that was activated during the last few seconds of the weap-on’s flight.

The AASM Hammer’s guidance was deliberately initialized by offsetting the

AASM 250 kg & Rafale - Laser or IR - Photo Sagem

target’s GPS coordinates by over 50 meters. Thanks to its navigation, laser spot detection and terminal guidance algorithms, the AASM hit its target to within a meter. Prior to the impact, the missile steered itself to a glide slope of 20°, preferred for this type of operation-al scenario.

Developed and produced by Sagem, with the DGA as contracting authority, the AASM Hammer is a family of air-to-ground weapons comprising guidance and range augmentation kits attached to standard bombs.

The GPS/inertial/laser guidance ver-sion, designated SBU-64 Hammer, joins the AASM range which already includes two other versions qualified for deploy-ment by Rafale: GPS/inertial and GPS/inertial/infrared versions. The SBU-64 features a semi-active laser seeker in place of the infrared imager, plus dedi-cated algorithms•

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20 | Aug 2012 | Issue 487 |

The “Qarnen’’ launchedIt will be delivered between the end of 2012 and early 2013.

A recent ceremony at Fincantieri Mug-giano (La Spezia) shipyard marked the launch of the “Qarnen”, a patrol ves-sel under construction for a prominent Middle East country.

Her sister ship, the “Ghantut”, was launched last January. The two vessels –were ordered in 2010 within the “Falaj 2” program and will be delivered be-tween the end of 2012 and early 2013.

The contract provides for an option for a further two vessels in addition to technology transfer to a local shipyard for the construction of further sister ships.

Fincantieri is also building the cor-vette “Abu Dhabi Class” for the same shipyard; delivery is scheduled in au-tumn this year.

The ceremony commenced with the

customary national anthems which were followed by the traditional recitation of the Quran and closed with the breaking of a bottle – containing sea water in ob-servance of the Islam religion – against the ship’s hull.

The patrol vessels “Ghantut” and “Qarnen”, at 55 metres long and 8.60 wide, will be capable of reaching over 20 knots and can accommodate a crew of 28. Their main feature is their particular geometry which will make them difficult to trace by radar (stealth).

Further features are their high capac-ity and flexibility in carrying out differ-ent mission profiles – ranging from pa-trolling and observing to self defence in case of threats from the air and surface and attack against both naval and land targets - in national and international

operations, whilst at the same time af-fording high standards of accommoda-tion and safety.

Proof of the strategic importance of the Middle East market and of the strong, successful partnership with the Emirates, is the fact that Fincantieri has set up Etihad Ship Building – a joint venture with Al Fattan Ship Industries and Melara Middle East. The new com-pany operates in the design, construc-tion and sale of different types of civilian and military vessels, as well as carrying out maintenance and refitting in loco. Fincantieri believes that it is essential to have the right organisation in place so as to be in a position to assure the cus-tomer both quality and contained deliv-ery time frames•

“Qarnen”, - patrol vessel

21| Issue 487 | Aug 2012 |

Northrop Grumman Unveils MQ-4C BAMS Triton Unmanned Aircraft to Bring Persistent Surveillance to the Navy

Northrop Grumman Corporation un-veiled the first U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Un-manned Aircraft System (BAMS UAS) in a ceremony at Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale, Calif., manufacturing facility.

“Northrop Grumman is proud to provide our U.S. Navy customer with the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft, a key element of the BAMS UAS pro-gram, representing the future of naval aviation and a strategic element of the U.S. Navy,” said Duke Dufresne, North-rop Grumman Aerospace Systems sec-tor vice president and general manager for unmanned systems. “The BAMS UAS program will revolutionize persis-tent maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. We are honored to serve the U.S. Navy and our nation’s al-lies in the quest to build and maintain a strong and cooperative global maritime domain.”

The Northrop Grumman BAMS UAS

is a versatile maritime intelligence, sur-veillance and reconnaissance system to support a variety of missions while operating independently or in direct collaboration with fleet assets. When operational, BAMS will play a key role in providing commanders with a persis-tent, reliable picture of surface threats, covering vast areas of open ocean and littoral regions as the unmanned seg-ment of the Navy’s Maritime Patrol Re-connaissance Force.

“This is a significant day for the BAMS team,” said Rear Adm. Bill Shannon, program executive officer, unmanned aviation and strike weapons. “The work they have done and will continue to do is critical to the future of naval aviation. Their efforts will enable the BAMS sys-tem to provide the fleet a game-chang-ing persistent maritime and littoral intel-ligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability.”

Designated the MQ-4C, the U.S. Navy

released the aircraft name as “Triton,” keeping with the tradition of nam-ing surveillance aircraft after Greek sea gods. Triton is the Greek messenger of the sea.

Currently, BAMS-D (demonstrator), a Block 10 RQ-4 equipped with maritime sensors, is being used by the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet. BAMS-D provides a glimpse of the full persistent capabilities that the Triton’s 360-degree Multi-Function Ac-tive Sensor (MFAS) radar will bring to the fleet. The MFAS radar is produced by Northrop Grumman Electronic Sys-tems.

The BAMS UAS program is managed by the Navy’s Program Executive Office (Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weap-ons), Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office (PMA-262), at Naval Air Station Patuxent Riv-er, Md•

MQ-4C Triton

BAMS-D provides a glimpse of the full persistent capabilities that the Triton’s 360-degree MFAS radar will bring to the fleet

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22 | Aug 2012 | Issue 487 |

Oshkosh Defense FMTV Advanced Performance in an Economical Fleet time Patrol Force

Medium-payload fleets are the get-things-done resource for military opera-tions. They’re used to move troops and supplies, recover vehicles and weapon sys-tems, and haul equipment wherever the mission requires while providing capabil-ity, versatility, mobility and protection.

Many militaries often procure differ-ent vehicles from different producers over a period of decades to build their medium fleet out of an assortment of trucks. However, single-manufacturer solutions exist today that can provide the range of ability and level of perfor-mance that troops require, while pre-serving life-cycle costs.

The Oshkosh Family of Medium Tac-tical Vehicles (FMTV) has proven du-rability and performance to meet the demands of an extensive variety of mis-sions. It is the go-to vehicle for the U.S. Army and National Guard. A series of 17 models with between 2.5-ton and 10-ton payloads, the FMTV fleet has a parts commonality of more than 80 percent, resulting in streamlined maintenance, training, sustainment and overall cost efficiency.

To date, Oshkosh has received or-

ders to deliver more than 29,000 FMTV trucks and trailers. High production numbers mean lower procurement costs.

Modernized for Today’s NeedsOriginally fielded in the 1990s, today’s FMTV features significant advance-ments over the original configuration. New variants, including the 10-ton dump truck, expansible van and Load Han-dling System (LHS), are now available. The FMTV wrecker retrieval system has been redesigned for improved reliability and more commonality with other tacti-cal wheeled vehicle retrieval systems.

The Oshkosh FMTV’s factory-in-stalled armor system and the ability to accept additional, bolt-on armor for further protection improve both pas-senger safety and logistics. The system allows the vehicle to be transported at lighter weights and upgraded at a variety of locations when the mission requires. Standard air-conditioning means troops arrive alert and ready for action after long trips in hot climates.

Oshkosh also recently developed the FMTV Enhanced Protection and Mo-bility Demonstrator (EPMD) prototype

FMTV Wrecker

vehicle to deliver enhanced under-cab protection and increased mobility to current FMTV fleets. Equipped with the Oshkosh-patented TAK-4® independent suspension system, the FMTV EPMD enhances mobility over rough and desert-like terrain, allowing for more weight on the front and rear axles. The FMTV EPMD increases the vehicle’s off-road profile from 30 percent to 70 percent, provides more than 40 centim-eters of front wheel travel, and increases maximum speed by nearly 20 percent. Oshkosh has the ability to retrofit the current fleet of FMTVs with the cus-tom-fitted improvement kits.

Global Sustainment SupportAs with all Oshkosh tactical wheeled vehicles, the Oshkosh FMTV fleet can leverage the company’s worldwide sus-tainment support capabilities, including training services, parts supply, mainte-nance support, field service representa-tives (FSR), and remanufacturing and recapitalization services. Such support keeps readiness levels high throughout the life-cycle of the fleet.

Oshkosh provides expertise-level training for vehicle operators and me-chanics on all Oshkosh vehicles and technologies. This allows militaries to take maintenance in house for long-term cost-effective care. Additionally, Oshkosh FSRs travel globally to ensure vehicles and personnel are at peak op-erational readiness

The Oshkosh FMTV gives military forces the performance they need time and time again, while extensive parts commonality, high-rates of use and production, and Oshkosh’s solid infra-structure of support provide affordable access to the platform•

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24 | Aug 2012 | Issue 487 |

SAATEG interim solution for the German Armed ForcesOrder worth 75 million euros for unmanned reconnaissance

Rheinmetall Airborne Systems GmbH, a joint venture by Cassidian and Rhein-metall, will continue to support the Ger-man Armed Forces in Afghanistan by providing unmanned airborne recon-naissance services. The Federal Office for Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB) prolonged an existing order to the company to provide the German Armed Forces with Heron 1 ultramod-ern unmanned reconnaissance aircraft for two more years. The volume of the order prolongation amounts to about 75 million euros for the period from Octo-ber 2012 to October 2014.

The order includes the continuation of flight operations as well as the training of additional operational personnel of the German Air Force and the installa-tion of new, more powerful sensor pay-loads.

As part of the SAATEG interim so-lution, the German Air Force is using two UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) at the Mazar-e-Sharif base in Afghanistan, with a total of three Heron 1 aircraft and two ground control stations that will be provided by Rheinmetall Airborne Sys-tems GmbH as part of an operator so-lution. This System for imaging recon-

naissance in the depths of the theatre of operations (System zur abbildenden Aufklärung in der Tiefe des Einsatzge-bietes – SAATEG) is used for real-time airborne monitoring and reconnaissance in the entire theatre of operations of the German ISAF forces. It was put into op-eration on 17 March 2010.

Heron, the first UAS operated by the German Air Force, has proved its value in operations and has become an essen-tial component of the regional recon-naissance architecture. To date, the Her-on 1 has already flown over 9,300 hours of reconnaissance missions in the thea-tre of operations of the German Armed Forces. It is expected to have flown for 10,000 hours by the middle of August 2012. During flights that sometimes last more than 24 hours, the sensors deliver important information and make a valu-able contribution to providing the high-est possible protection from threats to soldiers and civil personnel.

In autumn 2009 the German Armed Forces opted for an operator solution – and therefore initially against a procure-ment solution – in order to fill an exist-ing capability gap in the short-term and at a cost which was transparent.

Rheinmetall Airborne Systems GmbH is responsible for the complete package of service, maintenance and repairs in this partnership. In contrast, the opera-tion of the systems in the reconnaissance mission is handled by the military per-sonnel of the German Armed Forces.

The MALE UAS (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) Heron 1, can be de-ployed for target and effect clarification at any time of the day or night, and is largely independent of the weather. With a wingspan of 16.6 metres and a takeoff weight of 1.2 tonnes, the Heron 1 can operate at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet. Thanks to its satellite data link, the UAS can carry out reconnaissance over great distances.

By January 2012 Cassidian and Rhein-metall had already agreed to operate the former activities of Rheinmetall in the field of UAS in future as a joint GmbH with Cassidian (51% shareholder stake of the company) bearing responsibility for industrial leadership. Rheinmetall is still involved with a 49% stake in the joint company, which started operations on 1 July•

Heron UAV

25| Issue 487 | Aug 2012 |

Virginia to Florida with Lockheed Martin Pre-Farnborough Air Show Media Tour

Recently Lockheed Martin, one of the leading global security and aerospace companies conducted a pre-Farnbor-ough media tour for a handful of jour-nalists from June 19 to June 22. The tour started off in Arlington VA and then moved on to Fort Worth, Texas and Orlando, Florida, where Lockheed Mar-tin Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) is based. Nation Shield, the official jour-nal of UAE Armed Forces was invited to that prestigious trip to represent the Middle East. Here is a firsthand account from the tour that gives an insight into one of the most trusted defense compa-nies in the world.

Mission Systems & SensorsThe tour kicked off with a visit to MS2 Facility at 300 M. Street. Part of Elec-tronic Systems, MS2 provides surface, air and undersea applications on more than 460 programs for US military and international customers. Here, the same expertise provided to military customers is being applied to increase capabilities of US and international civilian agen-

cies. Top Lockheed Martin executives briefed the participants about MH-60R, Aegis combat System and BMD capa-bilities.

MH-60RThe MH-60R or Romeo is the Us Navy’s new and most advanced multi-mission helicopter, designed for anti-submarine and surface warfare (ASW/ASuW). Secondary missions include: Search and Rescue, anti-ship surveillance and targeting, communication relay and medevac/vertical replenishment. The all-new air vehicle from Sikorsky Air-craft, with fully-integrated avionics and mission systems by Lockheed Martin, is now operational and deployed. MH-60R is equipped with new APS-147 multi-mode radar with long/short range search Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) imaging and periscope detection modes, integrated AQS-22 Airborne Low Frequency Sonar (ALFS) with ex-panded littoral and deep-water capabil-ity, including concurrent dipping sonar and sonobuoy processing capability. As

Lockheed Martin President and COO Christopher E. Kubasik receiving Nation Shield Journal

of April 2012, 123 MH-60R helicopters have been delivered with 10 active de-ployments. Lockheed Martin serves as the integrator for the MH-60R’s Com-mon Cockpit Avionics Suite – the Ro-meo’s nerve center – and other systems, while Sikorsky manufactures the air-frame.

Aegis Combat SystemMore than 35 countries have ballistic missile systems, and the threat contin-ues to increase with the proliferation of missile technology. Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) is a proven ca-pability in the defense against ballistic missiles using the mobility of Aegis-equipped cruisers and destroyers to intercept targets during the midcourse and terminal phases of flight, as well as to provide surveillance support to other elements of the BMDS. Aegis BMD is being developed by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) in cooperation with the US Navy. The Aegis BMD arm of the BMDS uses hit-to-kill technology to in-tercept and destroy short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. Additionally, Aegis BMD ships provide Long Range Surveillance and Tracking (LRS&T). The US Navy plans to deploy four Ae-gis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD)-equipped Arleigh Burke destroyers to Spain over the next several years as part of NATO’s Phased Adaptive Approach to missile defense in Europe. As the de-veloper of the Aegis Combat System, Lockheed Martin looks to continue its 40-year role as the Aegis Combat Sys-tem Engineering Agent (CSEA) for the US Navy.

Corporate Media Day The tour included Lockheed Mar-

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26 | Aug 2012 | Issue 487 |

tin Corporate Media Day celebrations which were on June 19. Lockheed Mar-tin Chairman and CEO Robert “Bob” Stevens gave an insight into the history of Lockheed Martin starting from Glenn Martin who started the Martin Compa-ny in Los Angeles, California, a century ago to the present day when the US gov-ernment is forced by financial crisis to tighten the strings on defense spending.

Lockheed Martin President and COO Chris Kubasik, who will become CEO

on January 1, discussed international opportunities for the F-35 program dur-ing the media briefing. Current aircraft programs of aeronautics division include the F-35 Lightning II, F-22 Raptor, F-16 Fighting Falcon, C-130J Super Hercules, C-5M Super Galaxy, P-3 Orion, and U-2 Dragon Lady. The company is also a ma-jor participant in Japan’s F-2 program, and Korea’s T-50 Golden Eagle trainer through strategic international business programs. He confirmed that Lockheed

Martin is committed to setting right the current problems with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which has doubled in per-unit cost and trailed in schedule by six years with full-rate production, now slated for 2019.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics The third day of the trip started with F-35 Tactical Cockpit demonstration followed by F-35 Production Line and Flight Line tour.

Middle East is a key partner for Lockheed Martin, says Pat Dewar

The Middle East is a significant and growing part of the business for Lock-heed Martin, a global leader in security and aerospace, according to Mr Pat De-war, Senior Vice President for Corporate Strategy and Business Development. “We are working across the region to help our customers meet the challenges of the rapidly changing global security environment. Of course, we are very proud of our role in supporting the UAE. It was a special pleasure for me to attend the Dubai Airshow last year and to see UAE pilots demonstrating their skills in their Lockheed Martin built F-16s. We also are pleased that the UAE has become the first customer outside of the United States for our THAAD sys-tem. This unique capability will help se-

cure the nation for many years to come. “As you know, the UAE is our regional headquarters and we cannot think of a better place to do business in the region. Our partnership with local industry, including our unique relationship with Mubadala, shows how much the UAE firms haves to offer the world,” he told the Nation Shield.He said Lockheed Martin offers three major attributes to all of our partners around the world -- advanced technolo-gy, financial strength and proven perfor-mance in matching corporate breadth and depth to customer priorities. “We have an inclusive approach to business, that focuses on establishing and main-taining enduring international alliances with government and advanced technol-

Pat Dewar, Senior Vice President with Nation Shield Editorial Manager

ogy partners around the world. We al-ways strive to be the partner of choice for both industry and government.”He said that of the total 123,000 employ-ees in his company worldwide, around 1,500 were in the broader Middle East. Many more individuals employed by our suppliers and local industry part-ners,” he added. He recalled that Lockheed Martin is celebrating its centennial this year. “For 100 years we’ve been helping our cus-tomers rise to some of the world’s most vital challenges with innovative and ground-breaking solutions. We’re con-tinuing to build on that legacy of sup-port for our customers and working to develop the technology that will shape our world for the next 100 years. In tak-ing on the challenges of global security our success will continue to depend on remaining true to our values such as highest ethical conduct, abiding by the laws of the United States, respect for others and belief in excellence. “As Chairman of the Board of Lockheed Martin Global I fully appreciate the important role played by this wholly-owned subsidiary, which provides sup-port to customers in over thirty coun-tries,” he concluded.

27| Issue 487 | Aug 2012 |

F-35Conceived in the mid 1990s, the tri-variant F-35 represents the pinnacle of more than 50 years of fighter develop-ment technology. Designed to domi-nate the skies, the F-35 combines the 5th Generation characteristics of radar evading stealth, supersonic speed and extreme agility with the most powerful and comprehensive integrated sensor package of any fighter aircraft in history. Advanced avionics give the pilot real-time access to battle space information with spherical coverage and an unpar-alleled ability to dominate the tactical environment. Data collected by F-35 sensors can be immediately shared with commanders at sea, in the air or on the ground, providing an instantaneous, high-fidelity view of ongoing operations – making the Lightning II a formidable force multiplier. Aircraft share common parts, support equipment and techni-cal data, yielding greater reliability and long-term cost savings which is a critical factor at the present financial scenario. Since December 2006, F-35s have flown 2,242 times and accrued more than 3,500 cumulative flight hours. This total includes 91 flights from the original test aircraft, AA-1; 1,945 SDD test flights; and 206 production-model flights as of June 2012.

Missiles and Fire ControlOur next move was to Orlando, Florida, where LOCKHEED MARTIN Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) is based. Part of Electronic Systems, Missiles and Fire Control develops, manufactures and supports advanced combat, missile, rocket and space systems for custom-ers that include the US Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, NASA; and dozens of foreign nations. Briefing on Fixed Wing Programs (Sniper, IRST, F-35 EOTS) and Apache Weapons Sys-

Be on guard against crippling cyber attacks, says Rick Kirkland of Lockheed Martin

Rick Kirkland Senior Vice President of Lockheed Martin International has cau-tioned the countries in the Middle East against cyber attacks that can not only compromise vital data but also put lives at risk. “Cyber attacks never stop coming; in-trusions that put data, the mission, even lives at risk. At Lockheed Martin, we don’t just understand cyber security. We live it. And we’ve brought together the right team, the right processes, and the right technologies to provide our cus-tomers with reliable, mission resilient systems that are always available.“Our proactive and mission-focused ap-proach meets today’s cyber security chal-lenges and anticipates tomorrow’s. In the Middle East and around the world, we make sure that our customers’ networks operate through attacks while threats are detected and rendered harmless. And by delivering proactive services, integrated solutions, and resilient systems, our cus-tomers can trust the information on their networks and trust that their missions are assured. Cyber security, which has no boundaries, is one of the top concerns of Lockheed Martin. Referring to cyber attacks that can crip-ple critical defense and nuclear pro-grams, he said: “The most important

Rick Kirkland, Senior V.P

thing anyone can do is to have cyber security built into all your information systems. At Lockheed Martin, cyber se-curity is more than just a core compe-tency—it’s a way of life. We understand it. We apply it. But more importantly, we deliver it through integrating secu-rity into everything we do, and every solution we develop. We have effectively refined an approach that prioritizes vulnerabilities and integrates existing point solutions, enabling robust, seam-less, end-to-end defense. We aren’t just reducing risks, we’re providing fully reli-able and trusted solutions.”Mr Kirkland who have been associated with Asia for long said the leaders in the region are well aware of the challenges they face and are working effectively to ensure they have what they need to meet security requirements.“I will say that around the globe we con-tinue to see strong interest in our prod-ucts including in areas such as tactical aircraft, air mobility, integrated air and missile defense and naval systems.Our customers are also looking for sup-port in new areas like cyber security and alternate energy. We’re launching a new cyber security center and our Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion technology is generating a lot of regional interest.” He said Lockheed Martin was com-mitted to supporting all aspects of the cyber security needs of its customers in the Middle East including training that may be required. “We also have cre-ated unique facilities for customer and partner collaboration such as our Nex-Gen Cyber Innovation and Technology Center (NexGen), a world-class center designed for cyber research and devel-opment, customer and partner collabo-ration and innovation.

Report

28 | Aug 2012 | Issue 487 |

tems Programs (HELLFIRE/DAGR, M-TADS/PNVS, LONGBOW FCR) was followed by an interesting Missiles and Fire control factory tour where we came across a variety of weapon systems on which nations trust their sovereignty.

Sniper - The Sniper pod is the most widely deployed targeting system for fixed-wing aircraft in use by the US Air Force, and is the targeting system of choice for 12 international air forces. In addition to fulfilling precision strike mission requirements, the Sniper pod is changing the way armed forces operate in theater with new capabilities to meet the challenges of non-traditional intel-ligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (NTISR). A precision targeting system in a single, lightweight pod, the Sniper pod is designed for current and future aircraft. It is combat proven on US Air Force and international F-15E, F-16 (all blocks), B-1, A-10C, Harrier GR7/9 and CF-18 aircraft. Lockheed Martin is also in the final stages of integrating the Sniper pod on the B-52. As the best overall value and majority share winner of the US Air Force’s Advanced Target-ing Pod-Sensor Enhancement (ATP-SE) competition in 2010, Sniper pods con-tinue to deliver even greater capability to the warfighter.

DAGR - The 2.75-inch/70mm DAGR missile is a precision-strike, multi-role, multi-platform munition that effectively neutralizes lightly-armored and high-value targets close to civilian assets or friendly forces. DAGR offers strike ca-pability with the reliability of a HELL-FIRE II missile while further limiting collateral damage. DAGR has proven it-self in over 30 successful guided flights, launched from such rotary-wing plat-forms as the AH-64D Apache, AH-6 Little Bird and OH-58 Kiowa Warrior. And every DAGR target strike has hit within 1 meter of the laser-designated aim point.

GCC navy well equipped to meet any threat: Charles W Moore, President, ME & Africa

The GCC nations have plans in place to ensure that their navy is well equipped to meet their security requirements, ac-cording to Charles W Moore, President, Middle East and Africa, Lockheed Mar-tin who has had a distinguished 36 year career with US Navy.“The leaders of the GCC certainly are the real experts when it comes to de-termining the appropriate mix of forces they require to ensure their national se-curity and to work in cooperation with the militaries of partner countries such as the United States,” Mr Moore said in an interview with the Nation Shield.

“I will note that the United States is placing increasing emphasis of being able to meet mission requirements in lit-toral waters. The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is designed to defeat growing littoral threats and provide access and dominance in the coastal water battles-pace. The Lockheed Martin team has designed and constructed two ships for this new class.”Mr Moore who led several operations in the region earlier as commander of the US Fifth Fleet, felt that the nations of the region are taking appropriate steps to meet both the current challenges to re-gional security. “Regional leaders recog-

nize the importance of working together with each other and with other partners like the United States to respond to these challenges and that spirit of cooperation will be essential to defending our collec-tive interests in the future,” he said.Referring to the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan, he said if the countries work together they can build a more se-cure and peaceful world. “Through the efforts of nations throughout the region and around the world we have reduced the immediate threat posed by groups like Al Qaeda and their affiliates. There is much more that needs to be done but I believe we are making progress and I know that with sustained international cooperation we will continue to do so.”Mr Moore pointed out that already there is excellent cooperation between the region and the US to ensure peace and stability. “I trust the leadership of the UAE and the other GCC countries to make the right decisions for their people. I know they are committed to deepening cooperation with the United States and I will always be proud to see our countries standing shoulder to shoulder to take on security challenges.”Referring to his long association with the UAE,l he said he considered it an honor to be on the board of directors of Thuraya, a global leader in satellite communications promoted by the UAE. Thuraya’s products are among the most competitive in the MSS market, includ-ing the world’s most durable, smallest and smartest mobile satellite handsets and broadband devices. Thuraya also is continually expanding and improving to meet the communication needs of even more people around the globe.”

Charles W Moore President, M E & Africa

29| Issue 487 | Aug 2012 |

HELLFIRE II- The HELLFIRE II modular missile system defeats ad-vanced armor and urban point targets in the presence of severe electro-optical countermeasures. It can be launched from multiple air, sea and ground plat-forms, autonomously or with remote designation.

Apache, Kiowa Warrior, Cobra, Sea-hawk and Tiger helicopters are all equipped with the HELLFIRE system. HELLFIRE has also been successfully fired from several wheeled and armored vehicles and from various small boats and ships, as well as ground-mounted tripods. The tripod-mounted system is currently in service with the Swedish and Norwegian defense forces. HELL-FIRE II is a combat-proven weapon system for precision kill of high-value armor, air defense, ships, waterborne and fixed targets, with minimal collat-eral damage. The missile may be em-ployed by lock-on before or lock-on after launch for increased platform sur-vivability. Its multi-mission, multi-target capability with precision-strike lethality and fire-and-forget survivability pro-vides field commanders maximum op-erational flexibility.

JASSM - JASSM is an autonomous, long-range, conventional, air-to-ground, precision standoff missile designed to destroy high-value, well-defended, fixed and relocatable targets. JASSM’s signifi-cant standoff range keeps aircrews well out of danger from hostile air defense systems. Proven reliable, the missile’s mission effectiveness approaches a sin-gle missile required to destroy a target. With its superior performance and af-fordable price, JASSM offers the best value of any weapon in its class.

Gyrocam Systems - Lockheed Martin recently received a contract from SE-LEX Galileo for Gyrocam® 15-inch Tri-ple Sensor (15TS) systems for the Italian Army. This is Lockheed Martin’s second

C-130J

F-35

Javelin

Report

30 | Aug 2012 | Issue 487 |

international Gyrocam15TS contract. Lockheed Martin Gyrocam Systems is the industry leader in gyro-stabilized optical surveillance systems for ground, maritime, fixed-site, and airborne appli-cations. They provide customers with a complete, integrated turnkey surveil-lance solution with exemplary results across all aspects of development, pro-duction, integration, installation, train-ing and maintenance.

Lockheed Martin Gyrocam Systems offers ruggedized Gyrocam optical sen-sor systems in 9-inch and 15-inch class-es. The optical systems offer technical functionality and exceptional durability comparable to systems that cost signifi-cantly more, and priority is to ensure that customers receive the best-value solution for their surveillance system needs. Lockheed Martin Gyrocam Sys-tems stand by every system with full warranty coverage, installation and re-pair capabilities, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, and commit-ment to customer service.

Javelin - Javelin is the world’s most versatile and lethal one-man-portable, anti-tank, guided munition and sur-veillance weapon system. It is made by the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between Raytheon Company and Lock-

heed Martin. Javelin has been adopted by international armed forces around the world. It is currently fielded with the US Army and US Marine Corps, but it has also been approved for foreign mili-tary sales to 12 nations.

The Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Javelin Joint Venture recently demon-strated the capability to launch Javelin missiles from a vehicle in winter condi-tions at a test range in Norway. In a Nor-wegian Ministry of Defense-sponsored live fire demonstration in Rena, Norway, two Javelin missiles scored two direct hits when fired from a Piranha V vehicle configured with a Kongsberg Protector Remote Weapon Station (RWS) and the Javelin Vehicle Launcher (JVL) electron-ics. The two targets were located 800 and 1650 meters from the launch vehicle.

Global Training and Logistics (GTL)The last day of the eventful media

tour took us to the depth of training and logistics world. Lockheed Martin GTL executives work side-by-side with defense, civil and commercial customers at 400 locations training 35,000 pilots a year in 33 different aircraft from fast jets to transport aircraft, support Spe-cial Operations Forces around the world and provide logistics support to forces worldwide. Training domains include

Flight, Ground, Maritime, Cyber, Health and Energy.

To Farnborough…After five hectic days we all waved good bye to Lockheed Martin Executives who managed a bunch of journalists and their inquisitive queries to meet most of them again at Farnborough. The trip was an eye opener to why nations trust Lock-heed Martin and its technologies. Most of the technologies detailed here were at Farnborough for all to see•

F15E JASSM

Lockheed Martin commemorated the corporation’s 100-year history during its Annual Media briefing

Gyrocam Systems - Lockheed Martin recently received a contract from SELEX Galileo for Gyrocam® 15-inch Triple Sensor

31| Issue 487 | Aug 2012 |

Interview with His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Defense, LTG Arto Raty, Finland

His Excellency the Dep-

uty Minister of Defense,

Lieutenant General Arto

Raty, Finland, paid an

official visit to the UAE

recently to hold talks with

senior officials on issues of

mutual concern and ways

to boost bilateral relations.

“Nation Shield”, the of-

ficial Journal of the UAE

Armed Forces, had a wide

ranging interview with the

deputy minister. Excerpts:

By: Jassim Shaheen Al BloushiPhoto: Abdul Rahman bin

Abbad

Your defense minister had visited the UAE earlier. What has been the follow up since then?

The visit resulted in deeper coopera-tion. We have maintained very good relations at all times but the ties have developed during the last few years. For example, we have had several bi-lateral visits from top officials. These contacts resulted in the Joint Coor-dination Group which meets every year. It is important to learn from each other’s experience, particularly in the area of defense. This will take the ties further forward.

What is the current status of co-operation between the armed forces of the UAE and Finland?

It is a very open relationship, well organized and based on the bilateral Joint Coordination Group. We have a high ranking official as chairman of the group from our side. We ex-change our views and experience regarding defense planning, reforms and upgrades to meet the future needs.

Can you tell us about the major milestones achieved by mutual cooperation?

One major milestone is to know the people, which is the foundation for a good cooperation even in today’s digitalized world. In my understand-ing, everything in the end is based on relations between human beings. We have a good structure for coop-eration, annual meetings and pro-grams to follow. I am actually wait-

ing for practical results to come. We have already exchanged information on training and education and we have also exchanged lessons learned. I believe both nations have benefited from these lessons.

What is your impression about IDEX and Dubai Air Show?

IDEX and Dubai Air show are some of the leading defense exhibitions in the world. I am impressed by the or-ganization, structure and leadership behind them. There is an opportu-nity for our industry to be present there. The latest technology is always on display at these exhibitions. It is very useful and important for na-tions and individuals to see what kind of possibilities there are for the development of defense. In addition, IDEX and Dubai Air show act as meeting points for decision makers from the manufacturing side as well as from the customer side. High-level delegations from around the world visit these events.

What opportunities do the UAE and Finland have to ensure re-gional and world peace?

The size of a nation does not dictate the possibilities they have when it comes to promoting world peace. Every nation has a role to play. Both the UAE and Finland are active play-ers in the international arena. The UAE can offer a lot because of its economic resources; however mon-ey does not provide all answers. We have to utilize the comprehensive

Interview

34 | Aug 2012 | Issue 487 |

Interview with His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Defense, LTG Arto Raty, Finland

Interview with Nation Shield (Right - LTG Arto Raty, Deputy Minister of Defense)

approach meaning political means, hu-manitarian aid and civilian and military support to solve any crisis. We also need strong leadership to play an active role, and the UAE has been blessed with ex-cellent leadership throughout its history.

How do you evaluate the UAE’s role in maintaining world peace?

Even though I may not be the right per-son to do this evaluation, I would say that the UAE is playing an important role, especially in the region, and I hope the UAE will carry on doing it.

Would you comment on UAE’s achievements in humanitarian and disaster relief missions?

I know that the UAE has been active in many areas using the military and ci-vilian assets to support these missions,

which is a positive sign. The UAE’s name appears in many missions. Every nation has to make an effort and take a com-prehensive approach to help distressed nations. It is not only about the military, but we need other assets too, and the UAE have done it extremely well.

How important is it to keep regional sea routes open to maintain global energy security?

The four global commons (space, sea, air and cyber) are all very important and have to be kept globally open for all ac-tors. The world depends on sea routes, and they should be open for all nations and players to use them.

What is special about UAE-Finland ties?

It is in a way surprising that the UAE and

Finland have so good relations, although we come from two entirely different parts of the world with different cul-tures. We share some commonalities like extreme weather conditions, yours is hot weather, ours is cold and the size of the population is quite small. I feel that on the whole our cooperation is very fruit-ful•

The UAE is blessed with excellent leadership

35| Issue 487 | Aug 2012 |

Modern body armour has

saved many lives on the

informal battlefields of

global conflict today – of

this there is no doubt but it

comes at a high cost.

The material for body

vests, helmets and under-

garments is very expensive.

It is also costly because of

the sheer weight of some

of the latest sets of kit. This

hampers movement and

manoeuvre.

By: Robert Fox

Personal Protection Equipment Though expensive, saves lives in battlefields

Researches

36 | Aug 2012 | Issue 487 |

Personal Protection Equipment Though expensive, saves lives in battlefields

ProtectionThe trade off between protection and battlefield manoeuvre is a familiar prob-lem since armies began to be formed at the dawn of history. European horse warriors, the knights, became so weighed down by metal sheet armour, enormous helmets, and linked chain mail, that they had to be lifted by hoists onto their horses. Alternatively the light horse cavalry of the Mongols relied on speed and skill with the bow rather than much body protection beyond leather breast plates and leather helmets.

Much the same need to balance be-tween speed and protection can be seen today. NATO forces in Afghanistan is-sue body armour and helmets as stand-ard equipment for operations. Not to do so would make the commanders and governments that send their young sol-diers into Afghanistan liable under the law of their countries and governments.

Some sets of body protection worn by British soldiers, have weighed in the region of 30 kilos. They are heavy and extremely uncomfortable in the heat of the Asian sun. Smaller soldiers have been carrying armour that weighs more than half their own body weight. The use of personal protection vests has only become part of standard procedure for combat for UK and US soldiers in the 30 years or so. British forces fought in the Falklands campaign exactly 30 years ago with no body protection at all.

Protection against IEDs Two experiences changed attitudes to the use of personal body protection by the British and American military: the long anti guerrilla campaign in North-ern Ireland for the British, and the dev-astating Vietnam war for the Ameri-cans. In Northern Ireland the British encountered on large scale ambushes by remotely triggered bombs in roadways, housing blocks, under drains and bridg-

es and in fields. It took the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan for such devices to acquire the more formulaic and menac-ing name of IED or Improvised Explo-sive Device.

The Americans also encountered IEDs in Vietnam – the Viet Cong guer-rillas and the infantry of the North Vi-etnam Army, the NVA, were experts at ambush and the placing of booby traps. The high level of personal injury and loss of limbs, though nothing on the scale seen in Iraq and Afghanistan in the past decade, created the demand for personal protection vests as stand-ard equipment. Today such protection equipment is regarded as a legal obliga-tion and right. British police, famous for

The British protection - garment prototype

Using protection garments are essential for combat operations

Personal body armours achieved saving many lives in battlefields.

37| Issue 487 | Aug 2012 |

not being armed in the main, now wear anti-stab vests as standard operational wear.

Producing personal protection kit for the civilian market has now become big business. US companies now sell more than $1 billion worth of body armour in the global market according to market analysis by the Visiongain consultancy.Sets of protection for British and Ameri-can soldiers out on patrol in Afghanistan – now the most advanced testing ground for concepts and equipment for personal protection – will cost in the region of $1500 per individual.

Statistics The Special Anti IED Command of the US military estimates that some 600 IEDs are set off each month somewhere in the world. One of the biggest breakthroughs in the technology of body armour was the discovery of the compound known as Kevlar. In 1964 this material was identified in its early form in the labo-ratories of the chemical giant DuPont. Poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide as the compound is called technically was discovered by Stephanie Kwolek in her researches for a strong synthetic light-weight fibre for tyres. After a series of tests she and her team found the com-pound was unexpectedly tough and du-rable. It did not break like nylon fibre. This led to the laboratory team at Du-Pont evolving polymer chemistry as a new branch of study, and in 1971 Kevlar was introduced to the world market.

Strangely, its discoverer Stephanie Kwolek was not particularly interested in its wider application. It has been used across industry, for cables and rope and especially for the sailing market. It is now a basic ingredient of most personal armour, vests and helmets. The material is absorbent of fragments, from shell and bomb shrapnel and mortar splashes. But it does not stop a direct hit from a high

velocity round. This is why most con-temporary military anti-projectile vests use ceramic plates to stop rounds, if pos-sible, hitting vital parts of the body, the lungs, aorta, heart and kidneys.

Ceramic plate armoursCeramic plate armour has evolved steadily over the past 25 years. Almost all advanced armies use it and have de-veloped it in the utmost secrecy. The British worked on ceramic plate armour for tanks and personnel carriers at their workshops in Chobham in Surrey. The Chobham formula of laminated ceramic plates was a closely guarded secret for years – kept even from the American al-lies. During the operations in the desert to recover Kuwait from Saddam Hus-

sein’s forces in 1991, a British Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle shed one of its Chobham ceramic protection plates in the desert during the advance. A whole battalion was sent out afterwards to find it, for fear of it falling into the hands of an enemy, or an ally who would then ex-ploit the formula for the global market.

The ceramic plate adds to the weight, and the cost, of the modern personal protection vest. They are usually fit-ted into pockets front and back. In the standard US Infantry Interceptor Body Armor (IBA) the plates can stop high velocity small arms round, say of 9mm calibre travelling at 426 metres a second. It cannot be guaranteed against heavier calibre .44mm weapons. However, with the growing threat of IEDs a new heavier

Garment development to match environmentThe American protection garment prototype

Researches

38 | Aug 2012 | Issue 487 |

version of E-SAP1 plates is now being issued to US troops on active service in Afghanistan and these offer some pro-tection against 7.62 mm armour pierc-ing ammunition. This is a growing threat across central Asia, as the insurgants and arms mafias are now dealing with a new version of the rifles firing new armour-piercing ammunition. Today the ceramic plates form Outer Tactical Vest in stand-ard issue IBA cost about $500 each.

The British version of personal ar-mour is the Osprey ECBA – Enhanced Combat Body Armour – that grew out of Combat Body Armour devised for operations in Northern Ireland. It is now in its fourth version designed specially for Afghanistan. It consists of a vest with pouches for plates and arrangements for special attachments such as the Camel-bak water tank, anchors for Bergen large pack, grenade canisters and ammunition pouches.

Osprey has been criticized by troops in the field for its weight and for ham-pering movement, making it difficult to fire personal weapons in some circum-stances. Accordingly, it has been con-stantly updated. Osprey is not the same as the Kestrel wrap-round body armour – a single garment which encases the wearer rather like the armour of a knight in old Europe. These are used by bomb and explosive technicians, and some crew of patrol vehicles, particularly by top gunners.

Three-tier body armourA new and welcome addition has been pioneered by the British as part of the concept of three-tier body armour. They have produced new protective undergar-ments, made of sulk and Kevlar, and a protective pelvic ‘girdle’, which fits with the protective body vest and combat smock or shirt. These are the first two

‘tiers’ of the armour, with the protective vest with its antiballistic plates as the third tier or layer. The US forces have adopted the new kit with enthusiasm, ordering 210,000 sets for their combat forces, rushing 15000 to infantry in the field as soon as it appeared.

The British, too, sent 15,000 sets to front-line troops in 2011 and ordered 45,000 sets in all at a cost of £10 million GBP.

There is small doubt that the new vari-ants of body armour have saved a lot of lives and preserved a lot of bodies from more serious injury. The lack of armour has also become a matter of individual rights. Since the war in Bosnia journal-ists now carry their own body armour, as do members of NGOs as standard pro-cedure in conflict and war zones. Body armour is now a necessity in the harsh realities of the world’s current disorders•

British soldiers used to wear the Osprey IV garment

The “Chopham” Ceramic Plates, remained as a secret fer a long time

Military Modular Head Protection System

39| Issue 487 | Aug 2012 |

With air force budgets getting tighter, the trainer aircraft

provides a low-cost but highly effective training platform

for pilots destined to fly jet fighters, without actually requir-

ing them to fly jets until much later in the program.

The Critical Role of Military Aircraft TrainersLack of rigid training not just causes monetary loss but also lives

Researches

40 | Aug 2012 | Issue 487 |

The Critical Role of Military Aircraft TrainersLack of rigid training not just causes monetary loss but also lives

A trainer is a class of aircraft designed specifically to facilitate in-flight train-ing of pilots and aircrews. The use of a dedicated trainer aircraft with additional safety features—such as tandem flight controls, forgiving flight characteristics and a simplified cockpit arrangement al-lows pilots-in-training to safely advance their real-time piloting, navigation and/or war fighting skills without the danger of overextending their abilities alone in a fully featured aircraft.

Given the expense of military pilot training, air forces typically conduct training in phases to weed out unsuit-able candidates. The cost of not follow-ing a rigid training schedule is not just monetary but also in lives. In times of war the chances of victory increase with the quality of a pilot’s training.

Modes of training There are two main areas for instruction, flight training and operational training. In flight training (Primary, Basic and Lead-in-Fighter stages), a candidate seeks to develop their flying skills. In operational training the candidate learns to use his or her flying skills through simulated combat, attack and fighter techniques.Primary Flight Training - Typically, contemporary military pilots learn initial flying skills in a light aircraft not too dis-similar from civilian training aircraft. In this phase pilot candidates are screened for mental and physical attributes. At this stage the cadets take to the sky for the first time gaining air awareness and experience of handling an aircraft. Basic flying skills and rules of the air are also

taught in aircrafts. Basic Flight Training - After the ini-tial phase a candidate may progress to basic trainers /primary trainers. At this stage utilizing aircraft, airborne simu-lation and training devices, the cadets learn to how to further their airman skills, plan missions, captain an aircraft and understand the principles of air-to-air and air to ground roles. Basic flight training is usually done in trainers like the PC-7 MkII, PC-21 and Embraer Tu-cano. Modern trainers can replicate the handling characteristics of jet aircraft as well as having sufficient performance to assess a candidate’s technical ability at an aircraft controls, reaction speed and ability to anticipate events.Advanced Flight Training - Having completed the Basic training, the cadets are selected for rotary, multi-engine or fast jet training. Those that progress to training for fast jet flying will then pro-gress to an advanced trainer, typically capable of high subsonic speeds, high-energy manoeuvers, and equipped with systems that simulate modern weapons and surveillance. Examples of such jet trainer aircraft include the T-38 Talon (actually capable of supersonic speeds), the BAE Hawk, the Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet, the Aero L-39 and the FMA IA 63 Pampa.Lead-in Fighter Training - Lead-in Fighter Training (LIFT) utilises ad-vanced jet trainer aircraft with avionics and stores-management capability that emulate operational fighter planes, to provide efficient training in combat sce-narios with reduced training cost com-pared to moving straight to operational conversion.. It is at this stage that a pilot begins to learn to operate radar systems and electronics. The on-board avionics system may be linked to ground-based systems, and together they can simu-late situations such as infrared or radar guided missile, interceptors, air-to-air KAI - Lockheed Martin T50 Golden Eagle

RAF BAE Hawk AJT

41| Issue 487 | Aug 2012 |

and surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft batteries, radars, chaff and flare coun-termeasures and collision warnings, in low or dense electronic warfare environ-ments. Systems may also be able to re-enact true-to-life combat situationsOperational Training - Having dem-onstrated all their learning, the trainee pilots now move onto learn how to op-erate frontline combat aircraft such as Typhoon and the F-15.

Popular Trainers Different types of training aircraft are currently used by various countries around the world. Let us have a look at few of them. BAE Hawk AJT - The new Hawk Ad-vanced Jet Training aircraft - offers world-class fast-jet training to would-be RAF ‘Top-Gun’ pilots. It can also be transformed into a frontline combat air-craft like Typhoon or F-35 Lightning II. The new Hawk AJT has an all-new cock-pit supported by the latest digital tech-nology and simulation software. Cock-pit display screens and instrumentation performance of Hawk can be configured to mirror Typhoon, F-35 Lightning II or

other fast-jet fighters.The Hawk AJT is the latest member

of the Hawk family and brings together 30 years of flying experience into a new advanced jet trainer. Hawk is currently producing highly trained pilots for 25 of the world’s air forces. Hawk has been chosen by the UK MOD for future fight-er training on the Typhoon and the F-35 Lightning II. The aircraft benefits from an ongoing development programme designed to enhance its capabilities and incorporate new features arising from the experience of five-million design hours and over two-million flying hours.

The UK MOD, India, Bahrain and South Africa all selected the Hawk AJT to meet their advanced jet trainer re-quirements.

Training Roles: Advanced Jet Training, Lead-in Fighter Training.KAI / Lockheed Martin T-50 Golden Eagle - Korea Aerospace Industries, or KAI, is the prime contractor for the T-50 with Lockheed Martin the principal sub-contractor. According to KAI, the T-50’s core strength lies in its performance as a proven multi-purpose airplane, matured over the years by Korean Airforce opera-tions having clocked over 46,000 flight hours. From experience, the Korean Air-force claims the T-50 has reduced train-ing time and costs by 25 per cent and 30 per cent respectively, as well as improv-ing pilot skills by 40 per cent.

The T-50 can be used in both advanced jet training and lead-in fighter training stage. The T-50 tasted its first success on 25 May, 2011 when the Indonesian Air Force ordered 16 T-50I aircraft in a US$400 million deal to replace its BAE Hawk 53 aircraft.

T-50 comes in four variants – T-50B Aerobatic, T-50 Advanced Jet Trainer, TA-50 Lead in Fighter Trainer and FA-50 Light Combat Aircraft. By using one multi-purpose training craft to impart the necessary skills and knowledge to

train pilots, training time between stages can be reduced considerably.

Training Roles: Advanced Jet Training, Lead-in Fighter Training.Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master - The twin-turbofan M-346 is an advanced Lead-in Fighter Trainer flying today. With its fully digital flight controls and avionics, together with carefree han-dling and high AOA manoeuvering, the M-346 is fully representative of new generation fighters. The M-346 is also extremely cost-effective and has been ordered by the Air Forces of Italy and Singapore.

The M-345 -the new basic-advanced light weight fast jet trainer, MB-339CD - the standard Italian Air Force advanced trainer and SF-260 – the primary trainer are also wildly used trainers from Alenia Aermacchi.

Training Roles: Advanced Jet Training, Lead-in Fighter Training.Pilatus PC-21 - The all-new PC-21 provides a low-cost but highly effective training platform for pilots destined to fly jet fighters, without actually requiring them to fly jets until much later in the program. To do this, Pilatus expanded the design and performance envelope to take this single engine turboprop into an area that was previously the domain of jet aircraft.

The PC-21 far surpasses many other turboprop trainers in terms of aerody-namic performance, cockpit equipment, flexibility and ease of maintenance. The PC-21 package includes sophisticated synthetic training devices, computer based training, and classroom instruc-tion, providing a proven turnkey solu-tion for today’s pilot training needs.

The Swiss Air Force, Republic of Singa-pore Air Force, United Arab Emirates Air Force & Air Defense and in 2012 the Royal Saudi Air Force has opted for the PC-21.

Training Roles: Basic Flight Training, Advanced Flight Training.

Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master

Researches

42 | Aug 2012 | Issue 487 |

Boeing T-45 Goshawk - The T-45 Training System, or T45TS, is an inte-grated training system developed for and used by the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Training Command. It includes the Boeing-built T-45 Goshawk aircraft, advanced flight and instrument simulators, computer-as-sisted instructional programs, and a com-puterized training integration system. The T45TS replaced two training aircraft and added advanced simulators to improve the process for training for conversion into the F/A-18A-D Hornet, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the EA-18G Growler, the AV-8B Harrier and the EA-6B Prowler.

At the heart of the training system is the two-seat, single-engine T-45 Gos-hawk. The U.S. Navy’s T-45 Goshawk is

powered by a Rolls-Royce Adour F405-RR-401 engine producing 5,845 pounds of thrust. Described by instructor-pilots who fly it as “eminently forgiving,” the T-45 is a jet trainer designed to land rou-tinely at sink rates of greater than 700 feet per minute, which are required for aircraft carrier approach landings. In the 16 years since they entered service in 1992, T-45s have logged over 800,000 flight-hours and made over 50,000 ar-rested carrier landings. The T-45A with an analog cockpit and T-45C with a digi-tal cockpit are in service.

Training Roles: Basic Flight Training, Advanced Flight Training.Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano / A-29 - When Embraer introduced the

Tucano twenty years ago, it completely revolutionized the concept of military pilot training. As fighters become more complex, the need for highly effec-tive trainer aircraft is on the rise. Em-braer’s Super Tucano — a single-engine, stepped-tandem, multi-purpose military turboprop delivers both training and op-erational effectiveness at low acquisition and operating costs. State-of-the-art avi-onics and systems have been incorporat-ed into the aircraft for training purposes. These may be configured in different ways to suit customer requirements.

The Basic Trainer version features two color multi-function displays (CM-FDs) and a group of basic instruments installed in a “T’ format equipped with an altimeter. The Advanced Trainer con-figuration features two ADls and a VSI presented on Head-Up Display (HUD).

Training Roles: Basic Flight Training, Advanced Flight Training.

Trainer or Light Attack Aircraft? As the capabilities of front line aircraft have increased this has been reflected in increasingly sophisticated advanced trainers. As the costs of developing new aircraft have risen in real terms, it has become more likely that fewer aircraft will be designed specifically for the train-ing role. The advanced trainer was often seen as a stepping stone by most nations in developing a fast jet design and man-ufacturing capability. No wonder most of the advanced lead in fighter training aircrafts like T-50, M 346 Master, Hawk AJT and Super Tacano have evolved to be utilized as light attack aircrafts too•

Reference / Photo credit: www.baesystems.comwww.pilatus-aircraft.comwww.koreaaero.com;www.boeing.comwww.aleniaaermacchi.itwww.embraer.com

Embraer Super Tucano

Pilatus PC-21

43| Issue 487 | Aug 2012 |

Armed Aerial Scout 72X+ New variant has greater power, range, endurance and payload capacity

Techniques

44 | Aug 2012 | Issue 487 |

The AAS-72X+ helicopter builds on the three Armed Aerial Scout Technical Demonstrator Aircraft (TDA) already developed, tested and flown, using the company’s own research and develop-ment investment. The AAS-72X or AAS-72X+ could be built and delivered at a cost competitive with the upgrades planned for the Vietnam-era OH-58 Kiowa Warrior and fielded to Army units as early as 2016.

This variant is based on the com-mercial EC-145T2 aircraft which incor-porates the more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines with dual channel FADEC, a Fenestron tail rotor for im-proved anti-torque, an upgraded trans-mission, the Helionix glass cockpit and avionics suite, and a 4-axis autopilot sys-tem. These elements of the AAS-72X+ will offer the US Army greater power, range, endurance and payload capacity when operating in 6,000 foot altitude and 95 degree environments, commonly known as “6K/95 high/hot” conditions — the most demanding environment for rotary-wing operations.

Industry TeamThe Armed Aerial Scout 72X+ will be produced by a world-class industry team that brings together the design, develop-ment, manufacturing and sustainment strengths of EADS North America, Lockheed Martin, American Eurocop-ter and Rockwell Collins. EADS North America has proven its capabilities as a supplier of choice for the U.S. Army, providing UH-72A Light Utility Heli-copters in one of the most rapid aircraft introductions in the military service’s history.

EADS North America will build the AAS-72X+ at the same American Eu-rocopter facility in Mississippi that currently manufactures the UH-72A Lakota—ensuring a U.S.-produced solu-tion that is proven and mature. As the

Armed Aerial Scout 72X+ New variant has greater power, range, endurance and payload capacity

EADS North America unveiled in April its Armed Aerial Scout 72X+ (AAS-72X+) at the annual Army Aviation Association of America convention in Nashville. The AAS-72X+, an armed derivative of the US Army’s UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter will be manufactured by the company’s American Eurocopter business unit.

45| Issue 487 | Aug 2012 |

AAS-72X+ mission equipment supplier and integrator, Lockheed Martin brings to the team more than 25 years of un-matched expertise in Army Aviation mission equipment components and subsystems integration.

PerformanceEADS North America’s AAS-72X+ provides powerful twin-engine perfor-mance and survivability. The X+ exceeds the Army’s previously published 6K/95 endurance requirement of 2 hours and 12 minutes plus a 20 minute reserve, and can provide a 6K/95 combat range that exceeds 424 kilometers, all with a 2,800 pound useful load. It is built upon the highly successful UH-72A that is deployed worldwide and currently op-erating across a broad spectrum of mis-sions. The AAS-72X+’s modern design and open weapons systems architecture ensures maintainability and maximum operational reliability—resulting in high operational readiness rates to meet evolving Army missions.

EvolutionEADS North America has made a sig-nificant investment in the development of its Armed Aerial Scout solution since 2009; developing three Technical Dem-onstrator Aircraft for flight test and mis-sion equipment integration.

The AAS-72X can accommodate a full range of chin-mounted turrets. Equipped on TDA 1 is a chin-mounted sensor with FLIR (forward-looking in-frared), television and targeting capabil-ity. EADS North America’s UH-72A Lakota, which is derived from the same airframe as the AAS-72X, currently is being equipped with a chin-mounted sensor on Lakotas to be deployed with Army National Guard Security and Support Battalions (S&S Battalions).

The latest evolution of the Armed Aerial Scout provides even greater per-

formance, range and endurance in high/hot conditions. The AAS-72X+ incor-porates the latest technology including improved avionics with 4-axis autopilot, more powerful engines with FADEC and an improved anti-torque system. The civil version will be certified in 2013 with proven, in-service Arriel 2E engines. The AAS-72X+ can be fielded to Army units by 2016.

Armament One of the two multi-purpose pylons on TDA 1 is equipped with the M260

seven-shot rocket launcher, which fires 2.75-inch folding fin aerial rockets. The pylons are designed to accommodate the full range of precision and unguided munitions expected to be required by the Army for the Armed Scout mission. The AAS-72X’s other multi-purpose py-lon carries an HMP 400 heavy machine gun pod with a 50-caliber M3P machine gun that has a 400-round capacity.

DeploymentThe Armed Aerial Scout’s small foot-print allows for transportation by C-17

Length overall : 13.03 m

Height : 3.45 m

Technical Specification

Techniques

46 | Aug 2012 | Issue 487 |

aircraft with minimum reconfiguration upon arrival in the operating area. The helicopter’s large, unobstructed main cabin is easily reconfigurable for maxi-mum flexibility. The AAS-72X’s surviv-ability is enhanced by the helicopter’s agility and small overall profile. This maximizes maneuverability in tight ter-rain and urban areas, and combined with a low aural signature, reduces de-tectability. While offering a compact footprint, the AAS-72X has a large cabin with rear clamshell doors, which allows the rotary-wing aircraft to carry an aux-

iliary fuel tank, troops, additional mu-nitions and supplies.

MaintenanceMaintenance of the AAS-72X is facili-tated by easy access to the helicopter’s two turboshaft engines, which have five modules that can be individu-ally removed and replaced, enhancing maintainability. The AAS-72X’s rigid rotor system also significantly simpli-fies maintenance•

Photo credit / Ref. : www.eads.com

Maximum speed: 269 km/hEngine : 2 × Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 turboshafts, 738 shp (551 kW) eachRange: 685 Km Maximum

General DataType: Armed helicopter Weight : 1,792 kg empty Crew : 2 pilots Armament : Rocket launcher or machine gun pod

Rotor diameter : 11m

One of the two multi-purpose pylons on TDA 1 is equipped with the M260 seven-shot rocket launcher

The AAS-72X’s other multi-purpose pylon carries an HMP 400 heavy machine gun pod with a 50-caliber M3P machine gun

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